By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Enugu is set to come alive on Saturday, August 28, 2026, as athletes from Nigeria and beyond converge for the second edition of the Enugu City International Marathon.
With just four days to the race, preparations have reached the final stage, with route officials, security and medical teams, volunteers and other stakeholders putting finishing touches to arrangements for the event.
The Enugu City Marathon Expo, which commenced on Monday, has already begun drawing participants, with runners collecting their race kits, interacting with brands and experiencing the growing excitement ahead of race day.
The marathon is expected to feature elite athletes seeking glory and records, as well as first-time runners, students, health workers, parents and other participants running for personal goals and memorable experiences.
Organizers said the event is designed not only as a sporting competition but also as a platform to showcase Enugu’s hospitality, tourism potential, business opportunities and growing sporting culture.
The city has in recent weeks witnessed increased visibility for the marathon, with banners displayed across major roads and growing public conversations around viewing points along the race route.
Security and medical personnel have been briefed, while volunteers are also prepared to provide guidance and support to participants and spectators.
The International Conference Centre will host the World Press Conference and serve as the media hub for coverage and updates from the marathon.
Major television stations, including Arise TV, Channels Television and AIT, have confirmed coverage of the event, ensuring that the race and activities surrounding it receive national and international visibility.
The organizers noted that hosting an international marathon could provide significant benefits to Enugu, including increased tourism, patronage of hotels and restaurants, employment opportunities and greater exposure for young athletes.
The second edition follows the successful staging of the inaugural race and is expected to further establish Enugu on the international marathon calendar.
As race day approaches, residents and visitors have been urged to come out, support the athletes and be part of what promises to be a major sporting spectacle in Coal City.
With the athletes ready, officials in place and media organizations preparing to broadcast the event, Enugu is set to take centre stage when the starting gun goes off on Saturday.
